When asked how much influence insurance companies have on a shop’s product service or replacement work that they can perform, 54 percent replied “none” and 23 percent said “some” in this year’s survey. That is down from 70 percent who replied “none” and 15 percent who replied “some” in last year’s survey. This year, 77 percent replied they felt none or some pressure compared to 85 percent who replied that way last year.

Those who said they feel “major” influence increased to 10 percent this year compared to 4 percent last year. Those who said they feel “moderate” pressure increased to 11 percent this year compared to 9 percent last year.

Collision repairers also are more dependent on direct repair program (DRP) work this year than last year, according to the study.

When asked what percent of their business is generated by DRPs, those replying “none” fell to 24 percent in this year’s survey compared to 36 percent who said “none” last year. Shops generating from zero to 20 percent of their business from DRPs dropped to 45 percent this year compared to 49 percent who replied that way in last year’s survey.

Shops that are generating from 51 to 100 percent of their business from DRPs increased to 30 percent this year compared to 28 percent last year.

The top four suppliers that collision repairers use to purchase parts this year are auto parts retailers, dealerships, jobbers and warehouse distributors. When asked who is their preferred suppliers, repairers said auto parts retailers (40 percent), dealerships (21 percent), warehouse distributors (15 percent) and jobbers (11 percent).

When asked the primary reason that they prefer a supplier, the top answers were good relationship with supplier (26 percent), parts availability (24 percent), fast delivery (23 percent) and price and carries specific brands, which each garnered 11 percent.

Methodology: The Aftermarket Business World Collision Shop Study was fielded via email to readers of ABRN, a sister publication of Aftermarket Business World. The findings are intended to show general trends, not statistical certainties.

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